Noah’s Bagels marks 25th year with 25-cent deal

All Noah’s New York Bagels locations will be participating in the Aug. 6 promotion. (D. Ross Cameron/Staff archives)

Back in 1989, entrepreneur Noah Alper, frustrated that he couldn’t find a decent bagel in the Bay Area, researched and found a great formula for a New York-style steamed bagel. “It’s important that they be big, crusty on the outside, chewy inside and with plenty of seeds,” he later told the Mercury News in an interview.

He and his Brooklyn-born wife opened the first Noah’s Bagels in Berkeley, followed by shops in Oakland, Emeryville and San Francisco. Seven years and dozens of stores later, he sold his bagel kingdom and again became an entrepreneur (and philanthropist).

Now Noah’s New York Bagels has hit the big 25th anniversary and is celebrating with a great deal. On Wednesday, Aug. 6, customers can buy any bagel and shmear for just 25 cents. No other purchase is required.

What does Noah himself think of the bagel world, circa 2014? We caught up with Alper via email. Naturally, he’s delighted that Noah’s is still going strong. And he likes the new competition. “I’m encouraged by the artisan bagel initiatives in the Bay Area, especially Baron’s,” based in the East Bay, he says.

And yes, as a self-professed New York-style bagel aficionado, he still likes his bagels crusty … and chewy … and seedy.